Govt targets 10,000MW of solar power generation: Energy minister

Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku said on Friday the government has set a target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar energy to reduce dependence on imported fuel and save foreign currency.

"Solar power does not require fuel for generation. As a result, it will significantly reduce fuel imports worth billions of dollars and help conserve foreign exchange," he said.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the newly constructed Sirajganj Sadar Upazila Parishad building and distributing spray machines, tube wells, sewing machines, benches for educational institutions and sports equipment in different unions of the upazila.

The minister said electricity tariffs had not been increased for consumers using up to 75 units of electricity per month, noting that most rural households consume no more than that amount.

"The government has ensured that marginalised people are not burdened by higher electricity costs," he added.

Tuku said the government is working to build a welfare-oriented state and had introduced family cards alongside agricultural cards to support low-income families and farmers.

Sirajganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Mamun Khan chaired the programme.

Among others, Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam, Superintendent of Police Saiful Islam Santu and Sirajganj district BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bachchu also spoke at the event.